Landscape Photography | Shallow Depth of Field and Scottish Midges

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THE VIDEO:
Depth of field and focus are much discussed aspects of landscape photography, in this video, once again, I want to show that we can do whatever we want to make expressive, creative and unique photographs, just about anywhere.
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[@martinoberstein8431]

Scotland without midges: kinda paradise. Scotland as it is: paradise with midges. Thank you very much again for emphasising on mindfulness and the attitude of „non expaction expactations“ (if that makes sense). It´s rewarding for me to browse through „older“ content. 5:4 is great as well…

[@Alister_Benn]

haha, yes, Scotland's best kept and least talked about secret (by Scottish tourism)

[@marshalhedin7538]

thanks for your devotion to the landscape

[@Alister_Benn]

My pleasure - Thank you.

[@dmac5x1]

Excellent video and narrative. Thanks for sharing.

[@anvilcloud]

This is thought provoking, and I like your attitude about both photography and the world in general.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks very much, that's lovely to hear

[@CGadney]

I was led to your channel after reading the transcript of an interview with Christian Hoiberg. This particular subject of shallow DoF caught my eye and I can identify with much of what you say. I cannot afford to travel to iconic landscape locations. I have a family to support, however, that being said. I have started an affinity with digital cameras and marrying them with vintage lenses... their rendering is not perfect, every lens renders differently, colour saturation from make to make is different..... The lenses are manual focus and focus is definitely not “tack” sharp from front to back, more often than not focus is soft but this varies from lens to lens... and focal length. So this video especially rings true for me, as I am visiting my local woodland and parks, streets etc; to challenge my creativity and really getting back to the basics of photography and understanding light.... so thank you for this particular week’s video. Chris.

[@CharlesMercer]

My favourite, the tree stems with minimal focus on some twigs. I tried some nature photography in the pouring rain and discovered to my delight the way the greens and yellows dissipated. Like you, I am finding huge moments of happiness in exploring nature without caring about the status quo. And the results are without a doubt more pleasurable. Crossing the border into art is so motivating and lessens the stress of trying to meet what we might think of as external expectations.

[@CharlesMercer]

Oh and regarding the midges, I have this disgusting paste, one smear of it and Nirvirna comes rushing

[@mariamccormick7879]

Always a pleasure listening to you, many thanks.

[@LukeOrwin]

Interesting video. Nice to see how the autumn colours are looking.

[@Alister_Benn]

Coming on, a slow burn though. The recent cold spell may move things along. I've always said mid-October is when it really kicks in.

[@alanclark9691]

You take me in directions I would never have considered Alister and for that I'm grateful: basically, this why I follow your channel.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great - It's one big open book of opportunity out there. Seems odd to do the same as everyone else.

[@jeff8289]

Hi Alister. I'm very excited about your Vision and Light with Charlie Cramer. I took a workshop with him and Bill Atkinson in December of 2000. The location was Ansel Adams darkroom in Yosemite. He is a wonderful photographer, an excellent teacher, and most important - a very kind person. There is a wonderful quote from Paul Strand: "Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees." An inspiration.

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent, thanks for those kind words. I hope you enjoy on Wednesday

[@claudehamel9228]

Great message!

[@ibarrabenjamin1]

I really like the images. Thank you so much for your wonderful work. Last video really resonated with me and now this, just after I had a very similar experience and came back with sdof Images. You are an inspiration for me. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@Alister_Benn]

Wonderful!

[@joannahiattkim3680]

Really enjoyed this video!

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattlancaster6096]

Alister, I agree that photography can happen anywhere and that our own locales can provide subjects as any iconic location. I wonder, then, if this is the trend - to stay local and shoot in our own neighborhoods - taken to its logical end, what is to become of photo tours? I ask with real sympathy toward pros who make or used to make their living leading tours. I would love to hear your thoughts about what you think may be the future of photo tours if people turn their cameras toward their local areas.

[@Alister_Benn]

That's an excellent question. Basically, teaching is different from being a composition salesman. I have no wish (nor have I ever) wanted to line up students and scream f11, 2 seconds, ISO 100 NOW!!! My entire year was cancelled and I have moved the whole business onto an online model. After running the rescheduled workshops from this year when we can, I don't think we will do any, or just a very few small intimate retreat style workshops in the future.

[@joannatauriel8715]

You give us the courage to try things and experimenting, thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much - I am very normal :-)

[@borissmit7112]

Again a wonderful video. Here in Norway most of the annoying insects are gone

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, they're nearly gone here too.

[@andrewherbert9938]

Great video Alister , using a shallow doff is something I always forget about when out and about , will try and keep it in mind next time Looking forward to the Charlie Cramer talk

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that

[@charlesandaloro7709]

Enjoying the field work in the videos.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks very much

[@Hirsutechin]

Joyful and inspiring, Alister! And you're talking with Charlie Cramer on Wednesday - I'll be there. You'll have relief now from the midges with this week's frost, no need for the Gavin Hardcastle Wave of Hatred until next May. Wish work would take me your way sometime soon, the colours are building nicely.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks mate. It's a weird autumn so far, a lot of trees are losing their leaves early; perhaps a result of a very dry spring.

[@mafallu]

Thank you for being so honest and genuine, you are an inspiration to me.

[@Alister_Benn]

You are very welcome

[@joaquimcapitao1276]

Great as always! I love the last one with the grasses!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@weisskm]

One of your best videos because it really seems inspired and inspiring! Just like Guy Tal says it is the image that is the work of art - not the object!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate that, and you know Guy and I agree on most things.

[@L.Nyquist]

Beautiful photos!! I love this way to look into nature. I set myself in a Music mode before going out, the Music made by artists that most people would never listen to.

[@Alister_Benn]

I agree 100%

[@janeqol438]

You need some “Smidge”! The countryside is looking beautiful right now. Another very informative video and you are so right about protecting and enjoying the landscape! Thank you 💜

[@Alister_Benn]

I try not to use it if I can get away with it. Ann gets it worse than I do!

[@janeqol438]

Expressive Photography Poor Ann!!

[@kennethcole862]

Really enjoying your videos and approach. Inspiring me to get out in our local nature reserve to look for simple, expressive images.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great to hear!

[@Paul9]

Really enjoying the channel, absolutely in line with the mentality I've formed for my own photography recently. I think most of my favourite images are anonymous and I rarely get the same level of enjoyment visiting a well known location unless there is some unusual atmosphere or conditions. Lately I just enjoy seeking out trees or even just certain branches with bags of character and treat it almost as taking a portrait, capturing at that point in its life. Not everyone's cup of tea but I couldn't care less. I stopped posting anything on social media this year and it's utterly freeing. Even when you think you're not influenced there is always something in the subconscious trying to assess the image from someone else's perspective. Cheers, Paul.

[@blivieriphoto]

Loved the video Alister. Your excitement in the field portion of the video made me laugh because I do the same when I go out. I have to look around to see if anyone is watching me talk to myself. Haahaa. Last month I was mesmerized by a bunch of weeds. I sat for an hour photographing them till the light was gone. I never would have thought to do that without your inspiration. And I absolutely loved it! ☺ Thanks so much!

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, at least I’m talking to Ann who was filming me 😂😂😂

[@blivieriphoto]

Expressive Photography Whaaaaaattt?! That’s cheating. And I never really do that. I was trying to be agreeable. Haahaaa. 🙄

[@thomaspinches9518]

As a landscape photographer, I used to feel like shallow depth of field was a lazy way to isolate a subject - use of light, composition, atmospheric conditions etc. being the better way to do it (anyone can shoot wide open and blow the background away, right?) but as I've developed as a photographer, I've realised that there are times when it can be really effective, and actually, the best tool for bringing out a subject. As long as it's not overused it can be a really fun way of getting some impactful images,

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that. It's another tool, and it's a way to understand the emotional consequences of actions and techniques.

[@chrisalmerini3284]

Wonderful video tying back the concept of the “grand vista landscape “ does not always need to the focus...I too am a huge fan of the Nikon 80-400 lens and can remember the major impact it has had on my photos since it replaced my trusty 70-200, the images made at 200-400mm have been a must have for me...so happy to carry it.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, I shoot long so much of the time. This started for me in the Himalaya and Gobi, where you could isolate such tiny areas out of massive landscapes. Love the long lens. 600mm would be great :-)

[@chrisalmerini3284]

Expressive Photography I have the 600 f/4 and it is bear carrying around but produces amazing images as well- great for bears, ducks, song birds etc... 😃

[@howardallen5390]

This video shows autumn where you are in full swing and it looks lovely. When you’re finished with it, please send it down south in the same state that you found it, preferably without midges, so that we can enjoy it too. Again, a lot of what you say resonates with me, thanks, but I’m also photographing autumnal colours and things like mushrooms at this time of year.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, will do; will December suit? 😂

[@iemboyshostel]

Save your energy and donnot let Charlie sign off before 1.5 hrs... his work is just awesome

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, it's not quite that long I am afraid!

[@dianevose9655]

"Beauty in anonymity" what a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty all around us ✨ Love using shallow depth of field to isolate a subject, which allows me to really see it 🌳🌿

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much.

[@vicentelorquevives8598]

I want to thank you the inspiration you are given to me with your point of view of photography. You really give me a good mood to go out and take pictures in a different way I do. Thanks again. (Sorry for my english.It's not my mother tongue)

[@Alister_Benn]

Happy to hear that! Thank you so much, it means a great deal to read this.

[@gruagach1]

Stoating stuff as usual. One of my favourite images I've taken most would not like. It was taken in woodland with a long shutter speed and while the shutter was open you walk forward.

[@Alister_Benn]

Sounds great 😀

[@MaciejMarkiewicz]

Midges net is not for Scotts is it? If not, then Gavin Hardcastle is promoting his "Wave of hatred" :D However seriously the first image with the grasses is a beautiful one ... The last one, the "accidental" is really nice too :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks mate

[@joelwolski]

As a California native and resident, I have photos from the middle of where some of those fires burned. There is something surreal about having a photo of a scene that doesn't exist anymore. I have to say that personally, I'd weathered 2020 pretty well until then. I think that's the importance of seeing the beauty in everything everywhere. Too narrow a definition of beauty is never a good thing.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, it's devastating! We can but do what we can...

[@thomasstitch1708]

Another great and inspiring video...as always. Love your work! I believe insect repellant works on midges. :)

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, thanks for that. Yeah, I try not to use repellent unless they're really bad!!

[@ianbarnes1406]

Did this very thing recently Alistair on a recent early morning shoot where I was taking photos of spider's webs in the mist and using various apertures to see the effect of DoF on the background.

[@Alister_Benn]

How engaging was it? How fast did the time go? Did you enjoy it, or did you somehow feel it wasn't proper photography?

[@ianbarnes1406]

@@Alister_Benn Hi Alistair. It was extremely engaging and, as is always the case when you are so engaged, the time flew by! Absolutely it was proper photography. Took me back 40 years to when I got my first decent camera and just used to go out and shoot anything that appealed to me and whuch appeared remotely photogenic!

[@TimberGeek]

Up here we call that hand motion you demonstrated in the beginning of the video "The Warren Wave". ;) I love images like those. My camera club does not...

[@Alister_Benn]

Camera club judges can’t see beyond the rule book (allegedly!)

[@micwarmington1]

thank you once again alister - i do have one question....in responding to ,how shall we say , the voices that call to you from the landscape - what percentage of images are made handheld as opposed to using a tripod ? and following on from that, does using a tripod get in the way of responding or enhance the experience ?

[@micwarmington1]

i've just realised that your nikon set up is more than twice the weight of my equivalent micro 4/3 set up so you probably need the tripod !!!

[@Alister_Benn]

I actually shoot handheld a lot. Probably half my Gobi images we’re without a tripod. In Scotland we have less of that “great light” and I shoot with the tripod more.

[@djking9828]

Do you consider this macro photography? Great video 🙏

[@Alister_Benn]

Not really, intimate perhaps, but not macro

[@BVRainer]

A very thoughtful episode and some wonderful images.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks very much Bill

[@T.M.G2014]

i live westcoast too ayrshire born n bred

[@andrewsimpson5436]

A good vlog to show getting small images and experimenting. When you mention hyperfocal distance and not needing to know it and getting depth of field, isn't knowing it a good way to use in reverse and refine how to get the out of focus look with perhaps one object in focus?

[@Alister_Benn]

Hyper focal is so much hype and only works for things parallel to the focal plane. I’ve always found it useful in landscape photography

[@andrewsimpson5436]

@@Alister_Benn with a narrow DoF yes, I was implying that in understanding DoF you can use it to your advantage. Say you the background wasn't as far OOF as you wanted by focusing to the front of what you want to keep in focus using the rear of the DoF it would help throw out the focus more in the background. Maybe I should just stick to trying to use humour :-)

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: I really enjoyed this video. Despite the midges, you have created some wonderful images. What I like the most about this type of photography is that they can be created very close to home as you have indicated. I recently purchased a new camera and I was testing the limits of my camera, several weeks ago, when I captured a very similar images to the one that you created with the twigs on the left boundary of the image. I have added this to my Instagram page ( instagram.com/keith_pinn/ ) in case you are interested in seeing it. This image was very unusual for me to create but thanks to you I have been trying to expand the boundaries of my creative process. Keep safe. . . Cheers, Keith (Canada)

[@esanford]

This is similar to appreciating John Coltrane's work toward the end of his life where he explored pure sound and harmonics. The fires in the western U.S. are not from visitations of photographers; they result from poor forest husbandry.....

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the comparison Ed. I’m not blaming photographers for starting fires, I think record high temperatures and little rainfall has most impact.

[@esanford]

Expressive Photography Perhaps...

[@vaibhavpisal]

what is midges?

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

a very annoying, tiny bug. And they bite.

[@Alister_Benn]

Tiny biting insects

[@vaibhavpisal]

@@Alister_Benn ooohhh

[@Hirsutechin]

The further north in Scotland you travel, the more vicious they become: In Ardnamurchan they carry sub-machine guns, on Skye they also wear crampons. Really nasty.